region was greeted with mixed feelings by Bermuda Football Association general secretary David Sabir.

Sabir intimated that while FIFA's decision was good for the region, it might make little difference to Bermuda as it had yet to be determined whether the spot would go to the Northern or Caribbean region of CONCACAF -- Bermuda is in the former.

"Obviously all the participating countries in CONCACAF will see that as one incentive or bonus to qualify,'' said Sabir. "But without a clear indication where that final place will be decided we at the BFA may find ourselves in the same position as last time.

"Unless it means a reduction in the number of games we have to play to qualify I don't see how it benefits Bermuda.'' FIFA carved up the 1998 World Cup soccer map yesterday, giving two extra places each to Europe, Africa and Asia/Oceania, while South America and the CONCACAF countries were awarded the two other slots on offer.

Excluding 1998 hosts France and holders Brazil, the new breakdown is 14 from Europe, five from Africa, four from South America, four from Asia/Oceania and three from CONCACAF.

UEFA president Lennart Johannson said: "We have gone up from 12 to 14 and that made a lot of sense. We could have argued for another place but we have respect for the others and we accept the figures.'' African federation president Isaa Hayatou declared himself "very, very happy, very satisfied.'' The decision had reflected the progress made by African countries, he said.

Asia have three places guaranteed and the prospect of a fourth if they beat the Oceania team to emerge from the lengthy preliminaries.

Thirty-two countries will take part in the 1998 finals in France, eight more than this year when the tournament was staged in the United States.

FIFA spokesman Guido Tognoni, confirming the 1998 breakdown, said the figures were "for this World Cup only.'' Still, Sabir worried whether the increase in the amount of nations would serve to dilute the summer spectacle.

"I'm sure FIFA, in all their infinite wisdom had looked at providing more excitement by having more teams, but on the other side of the discussion, if the World Cup is supposed to represent the cream of the footballing nations, I hope it doesn't create a scene where we have too many teams. I'm worried whether the World Cup will lose any of its significance.''